‘Good interpersonal skills and a positive attitude make a huge difference during the placement process’

Driven by a passion for storytelling, digital media, and visual communication, Shantanu Sharma  of Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC), has successfully secured placement as a Visualiser at Integrated Brand Heuristics. With a keen interest in history, geopolitics, and content creation, Shantanu believes in the power of consistent learning and creativity. In this interview, he shares insights into his placement journey, preparation, and future aspirations. Read edited excerpts: 

How did you prepare for the placement process ? 

My preparation for the placement process was a combination of improving technical knowledge, communication skills, and confidence. I focused on understanding the role thoroughly, worked on my resume, practiced interview questions, and stayed updated with industry trends and current affairs related to media and communication and advertisement.I also tried to improve my presentation skills and participated actively in discussions and practical assignments, which helped me perform better during the placement rounds.

How did Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication and faculty members help you to prepare for the placement rounds? 

Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication and the faculty members played a very important role in my placement journey. The institute provided constant guidance, industry exposure, practical learning opportunities, and mock interview sessions that helped me understand the professional environment better. The faculty members were always supportive and encouraged us to improve both academically and personally. Their mentorship helped me build confidence and prepare effectively for interviews and placement rounds.

What kind of skills do you think are important to crack the placement with ease? 

I believe the most important skills to crack placements with ease are communication skills, confidence, consistency, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Along with technical or domain knowledge, companies also look for candidates who can think creatively, work in teams, and handle responsibilities professionally. Good interpersonal skills and a positive attitude also make a huge difference during the selection process.

Tips for those who are preparing for placement

My advice to students preparing for placements would be to start preparing early and stay consistent. Focus on building your skills step by step instead of rushing at the last moment. Keep improving your communication skills, stay updated with industry trends, and practice mock interviews regularly. Most importantly, do not compare your journey with others. Everyone progresses at their own pace, so stay patient and confident in your abilities.

What are your future aspirations?

My future aspiration is to become an independent documentary filmmaker and create meaningful stories related to India and the world. I have always been deeply interested in history, culture, geopolitics, and human stories, and I want to use visual storytelling as a medium to inform, inspire, and create awareness among people. I aspire to make documentaries that not only educate audiences but also present different perspectives in an engaging and impactful way. Along with gaining professional experience in the media industry, I want to continuously improve my storytelling, research, and filmmaking skills so that I can contribute meaningful content on both national and global subjects.